From Wheeling Township, Part IV: A not-so-perfect perfect portrait October 5, 2017

WHEN I OBSERVED a family gathering for photos during the St. John’s United Church of Christ, Wheeling Township Germanfest, I raced to join the photographers. I expected to get a classic posed group shot. But what I got proved better. Much, much better.

I witnessed six women and a sister focused on getting their brother/son/nephew/grandson to join the group for a portrait. I didn’t hear the little guy object. Loving attention from all those family members likely curtailed any negative behavior.

I adore this series of photos. In each frame I see the deep love this family holds for one another, especially for that sweet little boy.

The best portraits are not always the perfectly posed, everyone smiling shots. Rather, they are the ones that tell a story, that snapshot a moment of interaction, of emotion, of love. Those are the best photos.

Thanks for this series Audrey. I have heard of this Germanfest from others also. Hopefully I get there next year.
It’s fun how you captured the portrait process…it’s tough to get a good family portrait especially with young children.

So true Audrey! One of my favorite photos of my mother is where she has her mouth open and I think she’s calling to or yelling at one my siblings. Nowadays, with digital photography and disposable everything, some of those wonderful “mistakes” will never see the light of day. 😦